Sociology at University of San Diego

University of San Diego's sociology graduates start modestly at $36,476 but see their earnings jump 40% to over $51,000 within four years—a growth trajectory that stands out in a field not known for rapid salary increases. While the first-year number lands in the 60th percentile among California sociology programs, that four-year mark suggests graduates are finding professional footing faster than typical. The $26,000 debt load, though above California's median for this major, translates to a manageable 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves significantly as incomes rise.

The catch: you're paying private school prices for what starts as a mid-tier outcome. California's median debt for sociology majors is just $16,500, and several UC campuses offer similar or better starting salaries at in-state rates. The earnings growth is real and noteworthy, but parents should ask whether that trajectory justifies the premium. If your child is set on USD's campus culture or San Diego location, the numbers work—this isn't a financial disaster. But if cost is a primary concern, comparable public options exist that would leave your graduate with substantially less debt heading into a field where early earnings are inherently modest. The strong growth pattern matters most if your child plans to leverage the sociology degree into business, nonprofit management, or graduate school rather than staying in traditional social services roles.